CN103999120A - Share user information with proximity devices - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure describes embodiments of techniques and systems for sharing user information between proximate devices. In an embodiment, a first device may identify physically proximate devices that may receive user information. Upon receiving a request from a user of the first device to share user information with a user of a second device, a determination may be made as to whether the two users have a matching interest. In an embodiment, the interest match determination may be made by a separate interest match evaluator. When a match of interest is determined, the first device may then send a request to the second device to share the user information. If the user of the second device approves the request, the user information of the user of the first device may be shared with the user of the second device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Description

Share user information with proximity devices

Background technique

Many people find it difficult to meet others with similar interests, especially in the real world. For example, a person may be killing time at an airport while waiting for a plane. This person may have many interests, experiences, backgrounds, and/or social groups that are shared with others who are also at the airport, and may wish to have the opportunity to be together with these individuals. However, even if two people currently find themselves having the time and desire to meet and share information, few social conventions allow them to do so.

Current social networking and media technologies allow users to share user information with each other. However, users sometimes must know each other in advance in order to establish a connection through the social networking site and/or service. Furthermore, in order for users to know each other, they must first be aware of each other's existence. In the online world, users who share common interests are sometimes introduced to each other through friends or discover each other through members of a common interest group. However, none of these strategies address people's desire to meet new acquaintances in a time-critical manner in a non-virtual world.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example, rather than limitation, of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate like elements, in which:

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of sharing user information between two mobile devices;

2 is a block diagram illustrating user information sharing between two proximity devices using an interest match evaluator according to various embodiments;

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating user information sharing between two proximity devices according to various embodiments;

4 illustrates an example proximity device identification and user information sharing process according to various embodiments;

5 illustrates an example process for providing interest-matched user information in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 6 illustrates an example interest match determination process in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 7 illustrates an example user information request and sharing process according to various embodiments; and

Figure 8 illustrates an example computing environment, according to various embodiments.

Detailed ways

Disclosed herein are methods, devices and storage media associated with user information sharing between two proximity devices.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly experienced by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, numerous specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of these illustrative embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that alternative embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features were omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the understanding of these illustrative embodiments.

The various operations are described as multiple discrete operations, and are then described in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the illustrative embodiments; however, the order of description should not be taken to imply that these operations are necessarily in order. Specifically, these operations do not need to be performed in the order they appear. Furthermore, description of multiple operations as separate operations should not be construed as a requirement that these operations necessarily be performed independently and/or by separate entities. Depiction of multiple entities and/or modules as separate modules should likewise not be construed as requiring that these modules be separate and/or perform separate operations. In various embodiments, illustrated and/or described operations, entities, data, and/or modules may be combined, further split into sub-components, and/or omitted.

The phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" is used repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may refer to the same embodiment. The terms "comprising," "having," and "comprising" are synonyms unless the context dictates otherwise. The phrase "A/B" means "A or B". The phrase "A and/or B" means "(A), (B) or (A and B)". The phrase "at least one of A, B and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C)".

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating user information sharing between two proximity devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media described herein may allow a user of a device, such as mobile device 110 , to share user information with other devices that are physically proximate to mobile device 110 . For example, as shown, in various embodiments, a mobile device 110 may allow its user to share information with a proximate mobile device 120 . In various embodiments, the information shared among users may include but not limited to personal information, user information statistical information, location information, and the like. In various embodiments, shared user information may include information resident on the device and/or information stored elsewhere, such as, but not limited to, information stored in a social networking website or other online data repository. By sharing information with proximity devices, users sharing information can encourage and proactively engage in real-world interactions with users of proximity devices.

In various embodiments, a user of mobile device 110 is able to share information with one or more devices that are physically proximate to device 110 within a certain distance. For example, in the illustrated schematic diagram of FIG. 1 , mobile device 110 may be configured to share information with any device within physical range 125 capable of receiving the information, which may be user configurable. In various embodiments, devices within range 125 may be determined using one or more location-aware devices or services. For example, mobile device 110 of FIG. 1 may query GPS service 130 to identify its location as well as the locations of other devices, and thereby determine devices within range 125 . In other embodiments, other location-aware devices and services may be used, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (“NFC”), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Wireless Communication (“DECT”), and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, location-aware social networking services such as Foursquare™ and/or Brightkite™ may be used.

While the example of FIG. 1 illustrates information sharing between physically proximate mobile conductors 110 and 120, the present disclosure is not so limited. Thus, for example, information may be shared between mobile device 110 and PDA 140 and/or laptop computer 150 in various embodiments. In various embodiments, information may not be shared if the device is not considered to be physically close to the device sharing the information, eg, falls outside the physical range 125 . Thus, in the example of FIG. 1 , mobile device 110 may not share information with mobile device 160 because it is outside physical range 125 .

In various examples, user information may be shared between devices based on determining that users of the devices have matching interests. A "match" (and variations of that term) as used herein may include, but is not limited to, identical, similar or complementary. What constitutes a "match" may be application-related and/or user-related. Similarly, "interests" (or variations of that term) may include, but are not limited to, hobbies, skills, education, work experience, other background, user profiles, mutual friends, connections, address history, and/or other information. Similarly, the scope of "interests" can be application-related and/or user-related. In various embodiments, when it is determined that there is an interest match between users of two devices, the users of these devices can be made aware of each other to potentially share information. Thus, in the illustrated example of FIG. 1 , an interest match is found between devices 110 and 120 . These devices can then be identified to their users as having the potential to share information. In various embodiments, interest matches may be determined by a third party, such as an interest match evaluator (not shown). Specific implementations of information sharing are described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating user information sharing between a sharing device 210 and a proximity device 220 using an interest matching evaluator according to various embodiments. As discussed above, in various embodiments, sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 may include, but are not limited to, mobile devices, laptops, PDAs, phones, tablet computers, and/or other devices. Furthermore, in various embodiments, sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 may not necessarily be the same type of device.

In an embodiment, the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 may include an interest matching module 240 . In various embodiments, interest matching module 240 may be configured to receive and/or otherwise identify the interests of one or more users sharing device 210 and proximate device 200 . In various embodiments, interest matching module 240 may be configured to identify interests maintained locally and/or in remote locations, such as, but not limited to, social networking websites. the

In various embodiments, the interest matching modules 240 of the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 may be configured to communicate with the interest matching evaluator 230 . In various embodiments, interest match evaluator 230 may include a server or other device separate from one or more of sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 . In various embodiments, the interest match evaluator may be networked with the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, on a local area network, on a wide area network, or over the Internet, including as a cloud-based entity. In various embodiments, the interest matching evaluator may communicate with the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 , and specifically with the interest matching module 240 via various means, including wired and/or wireless networks.

In various embodiments, interest match evaluator 230 may include interest match module 280 that may be configured to determine for users of sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 whether an interest match exists for those users. In various embodiments, interest matching module 280 may utilize user information stored at one or more user information stores. In various embodiments, interest match evaluator 230 may itself include user information store 280 . In various embodiments, interest matching module 230 may utilize remotely stored user information, such as, but not limited to, user information stored at a social networking website or other location. In various embodiments, interest-matching module 280 may be configured with a username, password, and/or other identifying information that allows interest-matching module 280 to contact, view, and/or store information from these remote locations. the

In various embodiments, the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 may further include one or more device sharing determination modules 250 and/or device sharing identification modules 255 , respectively. In various embodiments, the device sharing determination module 250 may determine, for a particular device (eg, device 210 ), that a proximate device (eg, device 220 ) is configured to receive user information. In various embodiments, device sharing determination module 250 may utilize information submitted by device sharing identification module 255 to identify a device (eg, device 220 ) as a device that may receive user information. In various embodiments, the device sharing determination module 250 and the device sharing identification module 255 may communicate directly with each other, such as via Bluetooth, NFC, DECT, Wi-Fi, or other protocols, so that one device can directly identify that another device can receive user information . In other embodiments, these means may communicate through middleware, such as interest match evaluator 230, to perform identification. In some embodiments, device sharing determination module 250 and device sharing identification module 255 may be the same module implemented on both devices, but perform different tasks. In other embodiments, separate modules may be used.

In various embodiments, the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 may further include one or more information sharing modules 260 and/or information receiving modules 265 respectively. In various embodiments, the information sharing module 260 may be configured to send user information from the user of the device 210 to the information receiving module 265 for viewing by the user of the second device 265 . As discussed herein, in various embodiments, information sharing module 260 may be configured to share information about users of sharing device 210; in other embodiments, information sharing module 260 may be configured to send one or multiple messages.

In various embodiments, the information sharing module 260 may also be configured to send a request to the information receiving module 265 to send information for viewing by the user of the second device 265 . In various embodiments, information receiving module 265 may be configured to present a request to a user of proximity device 220, receive a response from proximity device 220 as to whether he or she would like to receive user information from sharing device 210, and send the response to Send back to the information sharing module 260. In various embodiments, the request may include information about the user of the first device; this information may be less than all information that sharing device 210 may know or have access to. For example, the request may only have the name and location of the user sharing device 210, whereby additional user information may be withheld until the user of device 220 approves the information sharing. In some embodiments, information sharing module 260 and information receiving module 265 may be the same module implemented on both devices, but perform different tasks. In other embodiments, separate modules may be used. the

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating user information sharing between two proximity devices according to various alternative embodiments. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3 , the sharing device 210 and the proximity device 220 are not in communication with a separate interest matching module 230 . Instead, sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 may communicate directly via, for example, their respective interest matching modules 240, in order to determine whether an interest match exists between users of the respective devices. In various embodiments, such direct communication may be implemented in accordance with other embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example proximity device identification and user information sharing process 400 in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, process 400 may be performed in whole or in part on one or more networked devices, such as sharing device 210 and proximity device 220 of FIGS. 2 and 3 . the

Process 400 may begin at operation 420, where sharing device 210 may identify interest-matching information. In various embodiments, the information identified at operation 420 may be identified to the sharing device 210 itself and/or to the individual interest match evaluator 230 . A specific implementation example of operation 420 is described below.

At operation 430 , the sharing device 210 may identify that a device capable of receiving user information is close to the sharing device 210 . In various embodiments, this determination can be performed in a number of different ways. For example, in some embodiments, sharing device 210 may determine that proximity device 220 is configured such that it may participate in the user information sharing techniques and communications discussed herein.

In various embodiments, identifying may include that the proximate device 220 is actually physically proximate to the sharing device 210 . For example, sharing device 210 may determine that one or more devices capable of receiving information has logged into a location-based social networking service, such as, but not limited to, Foursquare™ or Brightkite™. In another example, sharing device 210 may determine that one or more devices that can receive information are on the same network as sharing device 210, use the same Wi-Fi access point as sharing device 210, and/or are capable of using short Distance networking technologies such as but not limited to Bluetooth, NFC and/or DECT communicate with the sharing device 210 . In yet another example, the sharing device 210 may report its own location to the third entity, for example, by reporting coordinates obtained via GPS, or via one of the location awareness services described above, or a similar service. In this example, the sharing device 210 may then receive information from the third entity about other devices that have sent their locations to the entity and are in proximity to the device. In various embodiments, these devices may be identified using the device sharing identification module 255, as described above. In various embodiments, sharing device 210 may display to a user of sharing device 210 an identification of a device capable of receiving user information as part of the identification. the

Next, at operation 440, the sharing device 210 may receive an instruction from a user of the device to share information about the user with the identified device capable of receiving user information. At operation 450, after receiving this indication of shared information, the sharing device 210 may determine whether there is an interest match between the user of the sharing device 210 and the identified device. As described above, in various embodiments, this determination may be performed via direct communication between the two devices. In other embodiments, this determination may be performed via interest match evaluator 230 . A specific implementation example of operation 450 is described below.

Next, at decision operation 455 , sharing device 210 may determine (either directly or by receiving a determination from interest match evaluator 230 ) whether an interest match exists. If there is a match, at operation 460 information may be shared between the devices. A specific implementation example of operation 460 is described below. After the information is shared, or if there is no match, the process may return to operation 430 where a new device that may receive user information may be identified. If no additional devices are found, the process may end (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, the user may not be presented with the option to indicate that he or she wishes to share information until an interest match is formed between the user and a user proximate to device 220 . In such an embodiment, the user of the sharing device may receive fewer sharing requests from the sharing device, which may result in fewer interruptions.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for providing interest-matched user information in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, process 500 may describe one or more implementations of operation 420 of process 400 . In various embodiments, process 500 may be performed on shared device 210; in other embodiments, one or more operations of process 500 may be performed on other devices or entities, such as networked information services. The process may begin at operation 510, where sharing device 210 may identify user information located on the device. Such user information may include user information directly input into the device by the sharing device 210 for sharing and/or user information maintained in other contexts. For example, at operation 510, sharing device 210 may identify user contact information from a phonebook or address book application resident on the device.

At operation 520, the sharing device 210 may receive login information for one or more social networking sites. In various embodiments, this login information may be received after polling the user of the sharing device 210 for information. At operation 530, the sharing device 210 may log in to websites whose information has been received and record user information obtained from the websites. Next, at operation 540, the sharing device 210 may receive an indication from the user whose user information (if any) the user wishes to use for matching and/or sharing. Thus, in an embodiment, a user may select only a given subset of information for interest matching or sharing with other users. Such information selection may enable a user to customize how much privacy he or she retains about his or her information. Then, at operation 550 , the sharing means 210 may operatively share the user information that has been obtained and identified for sharing with the interest matching evaluator 230 . In embodiments where a separate interest match evaluator 230 is not used, operation 550 may not be performed. the

FIG. 6 illustrates an example interest match determination process 600 according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, process 600 may describe one or more implementations of operation 450 of process 400 . In various embodiments, one or more operations of process 600 may be performed by sharing device 210 and/or interest match evaluator 230 . In some embodiments, where a separate interest match evaluator 230 is not used, one or more operations of process 600 may be performed by sharing device 210 and/or proximity device 210 .

The process may begin at operation 620, where sharing device 210 may generate an interest match determination request. In some embodiments, an initial set of information may be utilized by sharing device 210, such as user information identifying the user of the device, information identifying the device itself, and/or information about the device and/or users whose user information is desired to be shared. information to pre-populate the request. Next, at operation 630, the generated request may be sent to an interest match evaluator.

At operation 640 , the interest match evaluator may determine whether there is an interest match between the user of the sharing device 210 and the user of the proximity device 220 . For example, in various embodiments, the interest match evaluator may compare the user's interests to see if there are any matching interests. In various embodiments, interest match evaluator 230 may only compare user information that the user has allowed for interest matching. In some embodiments, the interest match evaluator may compare the user's friends, colleagues, classmates, acquaintances, and/or contacts to determine whether the users have friends, colleagues, classmates, acquaintances, and/or connections in common at operation 640. any of the people. In various embodiments, interest match evaluator 230 may generate determinations based on these comparisons. Then, at operation 650 , the sharing device 210 may receive the generated determination of whether there is an interest match from the interest match evaluator 230 . The process can then end.

As discussed above, in various embodiments, if a separate interest match evaluator 230 is not used, one or more operations of process 600 may be performed by sharing device 210 and/or proximity device 210 . Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the sharing device 210 may (after becoming aware of the proximity of the proximity device 210 and accepting user information sharing) send a matching request directly to the proximity device 210 . The proximity device 210 may then determine whether there is an interest match between the information of the users of the two devices, and then directly inform the sharing device 210 whether it is determined that there is an interest match. However, in various embodiments, it may be desirable to use a separate third-party interest match evaluator 230, such as to facilitate interest matching without exchanging potentially sensitive user information between devices in advance. the

FIG. 7 illustrates an example user information request and sharing process 700 in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, process 700 may describe one or more implementations of operation 460 of process 400 . The process may begin at operation 720 where the sharing device 210 may generate a request to share user information with a previously identified proximity device 220 . In various embodiments, sharing device 210 may populate the request with information identifying the user of sharing device 210, such as, but not limited to, name, location, and the like. At operation 730 , the sharing device 210 may then receive edits to the request from the user of the sharing device 210 . In various embodiments, sharing device 210 may provide a utility, such as a user interface, for users to review and edit requests prior to sending. Thus, the user can select specific user information for sharing in the request, omit some or all of that information, and/or edit the information before sending the request. Then, at operation 740 , the sharing device 210 may transmit a request for sharing information to the proximity device 220 . In various embodiments, the request may be sent directly to the proximity device 220, or the request may be sent via an intermediary networking entity. the

Proximity device 220 may then present the request to the user of proximity device 210 for permission at operation 750 and receive approval or denial of the request. Next, the proximity device 210 may transmit permission or denial to the sharing device 210 at operation 760 . In various embodiments, if the request is denied, the process ends. However, if the request is granted, the sharing device 210 may transmit user information to the proximity device at operation 770 . In various embodiments, the sharing device 210 may also cause user information to be sent to the proximity device. For example, sharing device 210 may connect to one or more social networks or other services and cause the social networks themselves to send user information to proximity device 220 . In various embodiments, the information shared at operation 770 may be limited to only information that the user of the sharing device 210 has indicated that he or she wishes to share. After sending the information, the proximity device 220 may then display the information at operation 780, allowing users of the two devices to share information as well as connect on the devices and possibly in the physical world. The process can then end. the

The techniques and devices described herein may be implemented into systems using suitable hardware, firmware, and/or software configured as desired. In accordance with one embodiment, FIG. 8 illustrates an example system 800 comprising at least processors 804 (each having one or more processor cores), system control logic 808 coupled to at least one of the processors 804 , memory 812 coupled to system control logic 808 , non-volatile memory (“NVM”)/storage 816 coupled to system control logic 808 , and one or more communication interfaces 820 coupled to system control logic 808 . In various embodiments, system 800 may include components of a CPU-based software system, a supervisory engine system, or a combination of both.

System control logic 808 for one embodiment may include any suitable interface controller for supporting any suitable interface with one of processors 804 and/or any suitable device or component in communication with system control logic 808 . These processors may include dedicated processors on which the application environment may run, as well as separate service processors on which the manageability engine may run. The system may include additional processors or processing cores (not shown).

System control logic 808 for one embodiment may include one or more memory controllers for providing an interface to memory 812 . System memory 812 may be used to load and store system 800 , for example, data and/or instructions. System memory 812 for one embodiment may include any suitable non-transitory computer readable volatile memory, such as a suitable dynamic random access memory (DRAM). the

System control logic 808 for one embodiment may include one or more input/output (I/O) controllers for providing an interface to NVM/storage 816 and a communication interface 820 .

NVM/storage 816 may be used to store data and/or instructions, for example. NVM/storage 816 may include any suitable non-transitory computer-readable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, and/or may include any suitable non-volatile storage, such as one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) , one or more solid-state drives, one or more compact disc (CD) drives, and/or one or more digital versatile disc (DVD) drives.

NVM/storage 816 may comprise a physical portion of the storage resources of the device on which system 800 is installed or it may be, but not necessarily accessible by, a portion of the device. For example, NVM/storage 816 may be accessed over a network via communication interface 820 .

Memory 812 and NVM/storage 816 may specifically include temporary and permanent copies of logic, respectively. In the illustrated example, this logic may include user information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest match evaluation logic 826 . User information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest match evaluation logic 826 may contain functionality that, when executed by at least one of processors 804, may cause system 800 to perform some or all of the operations associated with processes 400, 500, 600, and 700. instruction. In some embodiments, user information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest match evaluation logic 826 may additionally/alternatively be located in system control logic 808 .

Communication interface 820 may provide an interface for system 800 to communicate over one or more networks and/or with any other suitable means. Communication interface 820 may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware. Communication interface 820 of one embodiment may include, for example, a network adapter, a wireless network adapter, a telephone modem, and/or a wireless modem. For wireless communications, the communications interface 820 of one embodiment may utilize one or more antennas.

For one embodiment, at least one of the processors 804 may be packaged together with information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest matching evaluation logic 826 . For one embodiment, at least one of the processors 804 may be packaged together with 1 information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest matching evaluation logic 826 to form a system-in-package (SiP). For one embodiment, at least one of processors 804 may be integrated on the same die as information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest match evaluation logic 826 . For one embodiment, at least one of processors 804 may be integrated on the same die as information sharing logic 824 and/or user interest matching evaluation logic 826 to form a system on a chip (SoC). For at least one embodiment, the SoC may be utilized on a smartphone, cell phone, tablet, or other mobile device.

In various embodiments, system 800 may have more or fewer components and/or a different architecture.

References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a specific functional component, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one implementation covered within the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular functional elements, structures or characteristics may be implemented in other suitable forms than the specific embodiment shown and all such forms are encompassed within the claims of the present application.

While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for all embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Certain embodiments are shown and described. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that the embodiments of the present disclosure be limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents. the

Additional notes and examples:

Example 1 can include a subject computer-readable medium containing instructions configured to, in response to execution of the instructions by a first computing device, cause the first computing device to identify a second device proximate to the first device and configured to receive a request for information sharing. The instructions may also cause the first computing device to send to the second device information about a share shared by the second user of the second device to the second device upon determining that the first user of the first device satisfies one or more matching criteria with the second user of the second device. A request for information of a first user of a first device. The instructions may also cause the first computing device to send information about the first user to the second device or cause information about the first user to be sent.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to send to the third device information from the third device determining that the first user and the second user meet one or more matching criteria. requesting and receiving from the third device a determination as to whether to receive, and receiving a determination from the third device as to whether to receive the determination from the third device, comprising receiving from the third device that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more Determination of matching criteria.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 and 2 may optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to detect the proximity of the second device to the first device.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to determine that the first user has a common interest with the second user.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to determine that the first user and the second user meet one or more matching criteria comprising, determining that the first The user and the second user have mutual friends, colleagues, classmates, acquaintances or contacts.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to send a message to the second device that determines whether the first and second users have a mutual desire to share information. request, and determine with the second device whether the first and second users have a mutual desire to share information.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to receive permission from the second device to share information about the first user.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for performing the step of: in response to receiving permission from the second device, causing the first computing device to send information about the first user to the second device .

In Example 9, the subject matter of any of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to send to the second device information about the first user obtained from one or more social networks .

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to cause information about the first user to be sent from one or more social networks to the second device .

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of the preceding examples can optionally include instructions for causing the first computing device to send the subset of information about the first user to the second user.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any of the preceding examples can optionally include a first device and/or a second device comprising one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a mobile device.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any of the preceding Examples can optionally include a computer readable medium, including memory or non-volatile storage.

Example 14 can include a computer-implemented method executed on a first computing device for performing any one or more of the operations described in any of the preceding examples.

Example 15 may include an apparatus configured to perform any one or more of the operations described in any of the preceding examples.

Example 16 may include one or more computer-readable media containing instructions configured to, in response to execution of the instructions by a first computing device, cause the first computing device to receive a request from a second device proximate to a third device, wherein the request requires It is determined whether the first user of the second device wishes to send information about the first user to the second user of the third device. The instructions may also cause the first computing device to send a determination of whether the first user should send the information.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 can include instructions for causing the first computing device to determine that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 or 17 can include instructions for causing the first computing device to determine that the first user and the second user have common interests.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any of Examples 16-18 can include instructions for causing the first computing device to determine that the first user has a mutual friend, colleague, classmate, or contact with the second user.

Example 20 may include an apparatus configured to perform any one or more of the operations described in any of Examples 16-19.

Example 21 may include a computer-implemented method executed on the first computing device for performing any one or more of the operations described in any of Examples 16-19.

Claims (49)

1. One or more computer-readable storage media containing instructions configured to, in response to execution of the instructions by a first computing device, cause the first computing device to perform the following steps: identifying a second device proximate to the first device and configured to receive a request for information sharing; When it is determined that the first user of the first device satisfies one or more matching criteria with the second user of the second device, sending to the second device all information shared by the second user of the second device. a request for information about the first user of the first device; and Sending or causing information about the first user to be sent to the second device. 2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further configured to, in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device, cause the first computing device to perform the steps of: sending a request to a third device to determine from the third device that the first user and the second user satisfy the one or more matching criteria; and Receiving a determination from the third device as to whether a determination is received from the third device, receiving a determination from the third device includes receiving from the third device that the first user and the second user satisfy one or Determination of Multiple Matching Criteria. 3. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to detect that the second device is in proximity to the first device. 4. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein determining that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria comprises determining that the first user and the second user share a common interest of. 5. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein determining that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria comprises determining that the first user and the second user share a common friends, colleagues, classmates, acquaintances or contacts. 6. The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions are further configured to, in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device, cause the first computing device to perform the following steps: sending a request to the second device to determine whether the first user and the second user have a mutual desire to share information; and determining with the second device whether the first user and the second user have a mutual desire to share information. 7. The computer-readable medium of claim 6 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to receive from the second device sharing information in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device. permission of the first user's information. 8. The computer-readable medium of claim 7 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to respond to receiving from the second device in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device. permission to send information about the first user to the second device. 9. The computer-readable medium of claim 6 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to send a message to the second device in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device. or information about the first user obtained by a plurality of social networks. 10. The computer-readable medium of claim 6 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to prompt information about the first user in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device is sent to the second device from one or more social networks. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein sending a request to share information to the second device includes sending a subset of information about the first user to the second user. 12. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: the first device and/or the second device comprises one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer or a mobile device . 13. The computer-readable medium of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: the computer-readable medium comprises a memory or a non-volatile storage device. 14. A device comprising: computer processor; a device sharing determination module configured to operate on the computer processor to identify a device proximate to the device and configured to receive a request for information sharing; an information sharing module configured to work on the computer processor to perform the following steps: When it is determined that the first user and the second user meet one or more matching criteria, sending to the apparatus proximate to the device the first user sharing information about the device with the second user of the device proximate to the device requests for information; and Sending or causing information about the first user to be sent to the apparatus proximate to the device. 15. The device of claim 14 , further comprising an interest matching module configured to operate on the computer processor to determine whether the first user desires to send information to the second user . 16. The device according to any one of claims 15, wherein: the interest matching module is also configured to: sending a request to an interest match evaluator to determine whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria; and A determination of whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more of the matching criteria is received from the interest match evaluator. 17. The device according to any one of claims 15, wherein: the interest matching module is also configured to: sending a request to the second device to determine whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria; and Determining, in conjunction with the means proximate to the device, whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria. 18. The device according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein: said information sharing module is further configured to receive permission from said second device to share information about said second device with said device proximate to said device. a user's information. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the information sharing module is further configured to send information about the first user to the apparatus proximate to the apparatus in response to receiving permission from the apparatus. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the information sharing module is further configured to send information about the first user obtained from one or more social networks to the device proximate to the device. 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the information sharing module is further configured to cause information about the first user to be sent from one or more social networks to the device proximate to the device. 22. The device of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the device sharing determining module is further configured to operate on the computer processor to detect that the device is physically proximate to the device. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the device sharing determination module comprises one or more of: a GPS receiver, a WiFi receiver, a Bluetooth receiver, or a DECT receiver. 24. The device of claim 22, wherein the device sharing determining module is configured to detect that the device is in physical proximity to the device based on one or more available network access points and/or social media logins. 25. The device of claim 18 , wherein the information sharing module is further configured to provide information to the device proximate to the device by transmitting a subset of the information about the first user to the second user. Send a request to share information. 26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the interest match evaluator comprises second means. 27. The device of claim 16, wherein the interest matching module is configured to receive a determination from the interest matching evaluator that the first user and the second user have a common interest. 28. The device of claim 16 , wherein the interest matching module is configured to receive from the interest matching evaluator that the first user and the second user have mutual friends, colleagues, classmates, acquaintances, or connections people's ok. 29. The apparatus of any one of claims 14-17, wherein: the apparatus and/or the device proximate to the apparatus comprises one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer or a mobile device . 30. A computer-implemented method comprising: identifying, by the first computing device, a second device proximate to the first device and configured to receive a request for information sharing; When it is determined that the first user and the second user meet one or more matching criteria, sending from the first computing device to the second computing device information related to the first user sharing with the second user of the second computing device a request for information of a first user of the device; and Sending or causing information about the first user to be sent to the second computing device by the first computing device to the second computing device. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: sending, by the first computing device to a third device, a request to determine whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria; and A determination of whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria is received by the first computing device from the third device. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising detecting, by the first computing device, that the second computing device is in proximity to the first computing device. 33. The method of claim 31 , wherein receiving from the third computing device a determination that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria comprises, receiving from the third computing device A determination that the first user and the second user share a common interest. 34. The method of claim 31 , wherein receiving from the third computing device a determination of whether the first user and the second user satisfy one or more of the matching criteria comprises, from the A third computing device receives a determination that the first user and the second user have a mutual friend, colleague, classmate, acquaintance, or contact. 35. The method of any one of claims 30-34, further comprising sending, by the computing device to the second device, a request to determine whether the first user and the second user have a mutual desire to share information; and The first computing device cooperates with the second device to determine whether the first user and the second user have a mutual desire to share information. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the first computing device receiving permission from the second computing device to share information about the first user. 37. The method of claim 36 , further comprising: in response to receiving permission from the second computing device, the first computing device sending information about the first user to the second computing device. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the first computing device sending information about the first user obtained from one or more social networks to the second computing device. 39. The method of claim 37, further comprising the first computing device causing information about the first user to be sent from one or more social networks to the second computing device. 40. The method of claim 37, wherein sending information about the first user includes sending a subset of the information about the first user to the second device. 41. One or more computer-readable media containing instructions configured to, in response to execution of the instructions by a first computing device, cause the first computing device to perform the steps of: receiving a request from a second device proximate to a third device, the request to determine whether a first user of the second device may wish to send information about the first user to a second user of the third device; as well as A determination is sent whether the first user should send the information. 42. The computer-readable medium of claim 41 , wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the first computing device to determine, in response to the instructions being executed by the first computing device, the first user and the The second user satisfies one or more matching criteria. 43. The computer-readable medium of claim 42, wherein determining that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria comprises determining that the first user and the second user share a common interest of. 44. The computer-readable medium of claim 42, wherein determining that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria comprises determining that the first user and the second user share a common friends, colleagues, classmates or contacts. 45. A device comprising: computer processors; and An interest matching evaluator configured to work on the computer processor to perform the following steps: receiving a request from a first device proximate to a second device to determine whether a first user of the first device may wish to send information about the first user to a second user of the second device; as well as A determination is sent whether the first user should send the information. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the interest match evaluator is further configured to determine that the first user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria. 47. The device of claim 46 , wherein the interest match evaluator is configured to determine that the first user and the second user share interests by determining that the first user and the second user share common interests. One or more matching criteria are met. 48. The device of claim 46, wherein the interest match evaluator is configured to determine the first user by determining that the first user and the second user have a mutual friend, colleague, classmate, or contact. The user and the second user satisfy one or more matching criteria. 49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 45-48, further comprising user information storage configured to store user information to be used in matching interests.